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It's not surprising that a new study by Payscale shows that Gen Y workers--those from 18 to 29 years old--are flocking to small companies. Nearly half (47%) work for firms with less than 100 employees, and 30% work for midsize firms, according to the research by the compensation data and software provider.

The survey--which included 500,000 people in its samples--provides an intriguing hint at why small companies are attracting our youngest workers.

GenYers in the survey were nearly 3 times as likely as employees in general to cite skills such as tableau software (a business intelligence tool), blogging, social media optimization and press releases. Virtually every company needs to have a digital presence--and apparently, small and midsize firms are welcoming young workers with the know-how to polish theirs.

And, well aware of the skills that will be needed in the workplace of the future, GenYers were almost twice as likely as workers in general to major in neuroscience and bioengineering, according to the survey. They're apparently listening to all of the experts who advocate picking up skills in science, engineering and math. GenYers are also majoring in entrepreneurial studies and Chinese at nearly twice the typical rate, picking up the knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly fluid, global economy.

Many big employers say they need workers with such expertise but can't find them. Apparently, their small and midsize competitors know where to look: Gen Y. And, realizing they can't afford to leave this future-ready group sitting on the sidelines of the employment market, entrepreneurial companies are snapping up talent that's getting overlooked by giants that are too bureaucratic to notice.